Leasing group kicks DC-8s out of fleet

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The leasing division of Ohio-based Air Transport Services Group has purchased three Boeing 757-200 combi modifications from National Air Cargo Group for an undisclosed amount.
The new planes will replace ATSG's outdated DC-8 aircraft. The first 757-200 will be delivered this month, with the remaining two coming in early 2013.
“The purchase of these three 757 combis from
National, plus the one 757 combi we already own, will complete our
commitment to replace our four McDonnell-Douglas DC-8 combis with more
modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that better meet the requirements of our
principal combi customer, the U.S. Military’s United States
Transportation Command," ATSG President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Hete said in a statement. "We look forward to providing
USTRANSCOM with the improved operating performance and lower costs of
the 757, as well as its greater passenger capacity. We are proud to be
USTRANSCOM’s sole combi operator, serving primarily remote installations
around the world that rely on the combi’s unique cargo and passenger
transport capabilities.”
The new planes have the same cargo capacity of the DC-8s, while allowing for more passengers and better fuel consumption. The purchases will also help transform ATSG's fleet, making it less complex. After the DC-8s leave, the company will operate three Boeing aircraft types — the 757-200, 767-200 and 767-300.
ATSG's move is part of a growing trend to replace older planes with bigger, more fuel-efficient options. According to the Website of its airline division, Air Transport International, the company operated the only DC-8 combi fleet in the world. - Jon Ross